US Service Sector Slowed in August, Below Expectations

The U.S. non-manufacturing sector grew in August for an eighth straight month but at a slower pace than July and at a rate that was below expectations, according to an industry report released on Friday.

NEW YORK: World stock markets tumbled in their worst week of the year on Friday and commodities swung lower as more data pointing to slower growth in China sent investors scurrying to the safety of bonds and gold. Emerging market assets took another hammering and oil prices headed toward their longest losing streak in almost 30 years after data showed Chinese factory activity shrank at its fastest pace since the 2009 financial crisis.

Let's take a look at weaker than expected reports from the Eurozone in aggregate, and France and Germany in particular.France The Markit Flash France PMI shows French private sector output falls for seventh successive month. Key points: